Ash trees cut down

La Crosse city officials have started the removal of hundreds of trees within the city limits, starting on a local golf course.

By the end of the week, more than 100 ash trees will have been cut down to prevent the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer, and invasive pest that kills the trees.

City officials wanted to start the process before the trees are infected.

"The value of the tree is worth something, either in lumber or in chips and we don't have do any secondary preparation to get rid of the material," says Gar Amunson, Parks & Recreation Supervisor, "it won't be wasted, it will all be green."

Along with the ash trees, eight others are also being removed because they have been badly damaged.

Eventually all of the ash trees in the city will be cut down, unless they are being treated every year.

City officials plan to replace as many of the trees as possible with other native species.

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